Thaindian News

Dubai, July 31 (IANS) Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir, who played under Shane Warne’s captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL), feels Australia made a big mistake by not making Warne captain of the national team. “Australia made the mistake of their life by not making Warne the captain of their team,” Tanvir told the Khaleej Times.

Playing under Warne in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals, the left-arm pace bowler took the highest number of 21 wickets in the tournament with the best economy and strike rate as he helped his side win the inaugural title.

According to Tanvir, the Australian legend has the best knowledge of the game and was a very cooperative captain.

“He used to call me ‘magician’ and kept on telling, ‘When the ball is in your hand, think you are best bowler on the earth’,” he said.

“It helped me gain confidence as the tournament progressed and I emerged as the best bowler of the tournament.”

The bowler from Rawalpindi said that a number of youngsters prospered under Warne’s guidance during the tournament.

“It was an unforgettable experience for me and it will go a long way as far as my career is concerned,” he said.

He also hailed the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s decision to keep the Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

“The ICC’s decision to keep the Champions Trophy in Pakistan will benefit the game in the country and worldwide as well,” he said.

The eight-nation tournament, scheduled to start Sep 12, faced the possibility of being shifted out of Pakistan because of security fears expressed by players from Australia, New Zealand and England.

Last week, however, the game’s governing body decided to keep the tournament at its original venue.

According to Tanvir, there is no security problem in Pakistan as far as cricket is concerned.

“There is not a single case in the history of Pakistan when a sporting event became a target of violence,” he said.